Page 7 of Merry Christmas, Cowboy

“We really don’t have another option, Garrett,” she said softly. “All the other ranches in the area are working ranches. There’s no room for us. That’s why Cottonwood is so perfect. We would have full use of the land, corral for the games and contests, and Rand would always let us use his old wagon to decorate and have sleigh rides, around the property.”

“No, sorry.”

“If you’re worried about Cody, I think it would really lift his spirit.”

“I am worried about Cody. I don’t know how to handle this holiday. It’ll be a hard one.”

“I understand. But wouldn’t Cody have fun, helping out and being with the kids?”

“I don’t know…”

“I’d say think about it, but the clock is running out. We need to get up and going ASAP.”

“I’m sorry, Miss Russell.”

“Your uncle Randolph would want it so, Garrett. He enjoyed the day and evening events as much as the kids.”

“Did he? I didn’t know him very well. He and my mom were estranged for most of their lives. I do remember coming here a few times when I was a kid though, when things were good and his business was thriving.”

“Rand loved living here on the ranch. He was involved with the community and everyone respected him.”

“Good to know.”

“He especially loved the tumbleweed snowman contest we held every year.”

Garrett raised an eyebrow. “I didn’t know there was such a thing.”

“There is. Your uncle would spend weeks gathering up suitable tumbleweeds and storing them in the barn. He’d have piles of them. We always had enough to choose from.”

Garrett was silent for a few moments, which was a good sign. At least he wasn’t shaking his head anymore, or saying no.

“I have a great idea.”

He groaned. “I’m afraid to ask.”

“What if, instead of keeping Christmas quiet for Cody, we try to make it the most memorable ever? I mean, Last Stand is known for all its holiday festivities and Cody would be exposed to it anyway. Instead of grieving through the holiday, why not make it as festive as possible for him? Just think of the fun he’d have with the kids in his class. Instead of hiding out during the holidays, he could participate. And there’re so many fun things he could do. I think it’d be much better for him in all ways.”

“I was never big on Christmas either. I don’t know how to celebrate.”

“What if we made a pact, you and me? Last Stand is known for having Christmas spirit. We do the holiday up big. I can help show you how to make the most out of this time of year, for Cody.” And for him too, she wouldn’t add. It was hard for her to understand people who didn’t love the holiday the way she did. It was a time to renew, refresh, and yet, honor past traditions.

“And all I have to do is let you use Cottonwood for the fundraiser?”

She nodded smiling, hoping to change his mind. “You won’t even know I’m here. I promise.”

He sighed. “Sleigh rides and tumbleweed contests and what else?”

“Let me worry about that.”

He stared at her, thinking.

“We won’t get in the way of your work.”

“Uncle Garrett,” Cody said, marching into the room. “Can we? Can we have the fundraiser here?”

“I don’t know, Cody.”

“But you said there won’t be any more snow and now you’re saying we can’t have tumbleweed contests and sleigh rides. It’s not fair.”

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